Can you eat a chicken infected with CRD?

[Looking4ewes]

Hi,

I'm a new member and chicken producer. I inadvertently purchased broilers and turkeys from CRD infected stock. I'm still suffering some losses but I have only 4weeks to go with the broilers, if they survive. Can one eat a CRD inflected bird? This first batch would be for our own consumption. Or should I kill all and start over?

TIA,

Wendy

 

[Ariel301]

I don't think you would catch the disease by eating the birds, but I personally do not eat any animal showing signs of illness or more than mild injury, or that died from anything other than being intentionally killed for food, and do not recommend to anyone else to eat such though I know many people would be fine with it. What I would do is butcher them for cat/dog food if you've got pets or can find someone who wants some fresh pet food--pets generally have a better ability to tolerate foods that could make people sick. Clean all bird facilities thoroughly before getting new ones, of course.